1. Defensive back. Despite an excellent pass rush, the Vikings’ 2011 pass defense had just eight interceptions while being torched for 4,361 yards, a 68.2 completion percentage, 34 touchdowns and a 107.6 passer rating. An elite corner is a must. The team also has only three safeties on the roster, including one that’s used only on special teams.

2. Wide receiver. The team has nothing close to resembling a No. 1 receiver. Percy Harvin is an electrifying playmaker, but he’s a shifty slot guy who can’t line up wide and overwhelm defenders with his size and long arms deep downfield. A bona fide No. 1 receiver also is a must because it will help quarterback Christian Ponder’s development while opening things up for Harvin and running back Adrian Peterson.

3. Left tackle. Although there are higher priorities, there’s a reason the Vikings are expected to take USC left tackle Matt Kalil third overall. It’s a key position that’s one of the most difficult to fill with an elite player. In Minnesota, that position is manned by a stopgap player, Charlie Johnson, who’s better suited to play guard.

TARGETING

General manager Rick Spielman is considering just three players for the No. 3 overall pick: Kalil, LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne and Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon. Each is the best at their position, and each of those positions is a need for a Vikings team with a lot of holes to plug.

Kalil is a prototypical NFL left tackle who should dominate once he improves his strength. Claiborne is the kind of shutdown corner the Vikings need when they face Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler and Matthew Stafford six times a year. Blackmon has most of the qualities of a No. 1 receiver, which the Vikings have lacked the past two years.

Spielman would prefer to trade down and add to his bounty of 10 picks while still staying high enough in the first round to select a blue-chip starter. The route Spielman takes in the first round could determine what he does with the 35th overall pick. Blackmon is the least likely to be taken third overall, so a receiver could be the choice at No. 35. Like a number of teams, the Vikings are enamored with Georgia Tech receiver Stephen Hill. The 6-4, 215-pounder has the hands and ball skills of a legitimate No. 1 NFL receiver. His stock increased significantly when he ran a 4.36 40-yard dash. If he’s around at No. 35, the Vikings could pounce.

Middle linebacker, safety and nose tackle are positions to keep an eye on in the middle rounds. Kick returners and depth at outside linebacker and running back could be options in the later rounds.

THE TAKE

"My philosophy and thinking this year is because we're picking so high in each round, we're going to get the best of the best of those players in each round. I really believe you get your blue chippers in the draft, not free agency." — Spielman